WHS student playwrights Alissa McAlpine, Amelia Marshall, Payton Schenck and Sallie Bieterman and their advanced drama classmates embodied their characters on Woodinville High School’s new stage under the direction of Seattle Repertory directors who gave them the theme of “secret identities” as a prompt.Woodinville is one of only three select high schools with whom Seattle Rep partners to shepherd aspiring young talent as part of their Yes Project, which is thoroughly funded by community donations. For more information, visit http://blog.seattlerep.org/the-write-stuff/.

Ron Koh, Seattle Repertory School Programs Manager, explains: “All four of these young women responded with great enthusiasm and skill. It takes a lot of grace, maturity, and multi-tasking.”

Koh notes as example a recasting scramble forced onto Bieterman’s play, Daddy’s Girl, on top of the fast and furious schedule the department had preparing for the Thespian State Festival while rehearsing Woodinville High School’s upcoming spring musical, Into the Woods.

Sallie Bieterman adds, “I’ve had a really kickin’ time writing a lot of Awkward and having it come to life.” It’s been a workaday pulling together-hit-the-ground-running real world theatre experience for all.

Of her piece, Composition, Payton Schenck says: “I’ve enjoyed writing a piece entirely on my own and am excited to see it!”

Alissa McAlpine says of The Cocktail Party Effect: “I’m really proud of my cast for the way they have enhanced my words.”

Amelia Marshall sums it up with the title of her piece, One Little Push: “It has been so unique and wonderful to work on this piece with Seattle Rep. I really appreciate all that they’ve done.”

Don’t forget to check out these students’ next collaboration, Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine,at WHS Theatre April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.